Epic Games Makes Strategic Moves Following Apple’s Legal Defeat: What’s Next for Digital Transactions?

In the fast-evolving world of digital platforms, legal battles can alter the landscape significantly. Apple’s recent legal loss over its App Store practices has led to immediate changes in how the tech giant will operate. Epic Games, a key player in the ongoing clash with Apple, is wasting no time in capitalizing on this victory. With Fortnite making a return to the iOS App Store next week, Epic Games has outlined two significant business maneuvers that could reshape the digital marketplace as we know it. These moves directly target Apple’s revenue model, particularly its commissions on in-app purchases and digital content.

The legal ruling prevents Apple from blocking apps from directing users to the web to make digital purchases, and it also prohibits the company from taking a 27% commission on these transactions. This new landscape sets the stage for Epic Games to make bold business decisions that challenge the dominant App Store model. Below, we take a closer look at the key moves Epic Games has announced, the implications of these changes, and what they mean for developers and consumers alike.

Epic Games Takes Aim at Apple’s Revenue Model

Epic Games has announced that it will take a 0% commission on the first $1 million in revenue generated through its store per app year. Once an app exceeds this threshold, Epic will collect a 12% commission. This move is a stark contrast to Apple’s typically steep commission rates, which range from 15% to 30%. Apple’s Small Business Program does lower the rate to 15% on the first $1 million, but Epic’s model still offers a more attractive proposition for developers.

Another notable change comes with the introduction of Epic Games Store Webshops. In June 2025, Epic will launch a feature that enables developers to create their own webshops through the Epic Games Store. This will allow developers to direct users to make out-of-app purchases, bypassing the high fees imposed by Apple, Google, and others. The timing of this move is crucial, as legal rulings now allow developers to redirect users to web-based purchasing options on platforms like iOS in both the U.S. and the European Union.

Players using Epic’s webshops will also receive 5% Epic Rewards on all purchases, adding an extra incentive for consumers to embrace this alternative to in-app purchases. This development could significantly reduce the costs of digital transactions for both developers and players, potentially shifting the balance of power in the digital marketplace.

What Undercode Say:

Epic Games’ decision to challenge the traditional model of app stores comes at a critical juncture in the ongoing debate over fair revenue distribution in the digital ecosystem. Apple’s commission structure has long been a point of contention, particularly with developers who feel that the 30% cut Apple takes from in-app purchases is excessive. By offering a 0% commission on the first $1 million in revenue, Epic Games is positioning itself as a champion of smaller developers, giving them an opportunity to retain more of their earnings.

However, while Epic’s initiative may seem like a win for developers, it also raises important questions about the future of the digital marketplace. The introduction of Epic Games Store Webshops could encourage a larger shift toward web-based purchasing, which could bypass traditional app stores entirely. If successful, this could diminish the influence of platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. In fact, it might signal the beginning of a new era where developers no longer rely on these dominant app stores for distribution, but instead build their own independent ecosystems.

For Apple, this represents a major threat to its revenue model. The company has already lost ground with the recent legal ruling, and Epic’s new initiatives could further erode its control over digital transactions. The rise of alternative marketplaces could push Apple to reconsider its commission structure and explore new ways to adapt to this changing landscape.

One crucial aspect of Epic’s strategy is its timing. With the legal ruling fresh in the market’s mind, Epic is capitalizing on this moment of disruption to roll out changes that could have lasting implications. The launch of Epic Games Store Webshops in June 2025 is especially noteworthy, as it could pave the way for more developers to experiment with out-of-app purchases, further diminishing Apple’s dominance in the digital marketplace.

Fact Checker Results

The legal defeat Apple suffered over its App Store model is accurate, with court rulings confirming that Apple cannot block apps from linking to external websites for purchases.
Epic Games’ commission structure of 0% on the first $1 million and 12% thereafter aligns with the information provided.
The launch of Epic Games Store Webshops in June 2025 is confirmed, allowing developers to create web-based storefronts for their apps.

Prediction: The Future of App Store Commissions and Digital Markets

As the legal landscape continues to evolve, we predict that the future of app store commissions will undergo significant changes. With Epic Games leading the charge, we may see other major players like Google and Microsoft follow suit, introducing more competitive revenue-sharing models. Apple, which has long dominated the app store space, will likely be forced to rethink its commission rates or introduce new policies that make its platform more developer-friendly.

Additionally, the rise of webshops could signal a shift in how developers distribute their apps and content. With legal rulings making it easier for developers to direct users to web-based purchases, the traditional app store model may become less relevant. The focus could shift to more direct, web-based transactions, and app stores might evolve into platforms that offer more flexible business models and lower fees.

In conclusion, the battle between Apple and Epic Games is far from over. Epic’s recent moves have disrupted the status quo and set the stage for further innovation in how digital content is sold and distributed. The coming years will likely see even more competition in the digital marketplace, with developers and consumers benefiting from more choices and lower costs.